Non–work activities were more affected than work activities.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

AbstractMigraine is associated with
functional impairment. The migraine
disability assessment (MIDAS) scale
is a scientific instrument which captures
headache–related disability. The
Italian version of MIDAS was developed
through a multi–step standardized
methodology. Studies on Italian
clinical samples showed that
migraine patients were disabled in all
activity domains. Non–work activities
were more affected than work activities.
Among patients in paid work,
most continued working with a
headache attack, although productivity
was significantly reduced. The
Italian MIDAS was used also in
patients with transformed migraine
and drug overuse. These patients
were markedly disabled. MIDAS
scores were higher than those found
in migraine patients. When disability
was assessed after 6 months from
withdrawal therapy, MIDAS scores
were significantly lower than at baseline.
Our results confirmed the negative
impact of the lives of headache
patients, and suggest the use of
MIDAS as a sensitive outcome measure
for monitoring patients’
progress.

Non–work activities were more affected than work activities.

Disability in migraine patients: Italian experience